The 31st edition of the annual Tennessee Sandhill Crane Festival is set for Jan. 15-16 (Saturday-Sunday) at the Hiwassee Refuge and Birchwood Community Center.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, there will be reduced indoor functions. There will be two short presentations by the American Eagle Foundation each day at the community center. Limited vendors and food service will be available each day beginning at 7 a.m. The main focus of this year’s festival is simply enjoying the sandhill cranes and spending time outdoors.
The nearby Cherokee Removal Memorial will feature Native American folklore specialists. They will present artifacts and objects used in everyday life by Native American inhabitants in the Hiwassee River area.
Along with the wildlife viewing at the refuge, wildlife and birding experts will be on site. They will provide visitors with a unique educational experience by sharing information and viewing scopes. The festival will conclude by 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife/birds/sandhill-crane-festival.html
(Photo sandhill cranes courtesy TWRA)